Savona and Riviera Ligure delle Palme

<< Liguria

The Ligurian coast west of Genoa in the Province of Savona is known as Riviera Ligure delle Palme. This beautiful section of the coast features several seaside towns and popular summer destinations such as Varazze, Albenga, and Alassio, but also historic centers like Noli and Finale Ligure.

Savona

Savona is a city on the Ligurian coast west of Genoa. Founded in ancient times, Savona became a flourishing Roman port, and later suffered from many pirate incursions during the Middle Ages. After centuries of war and a period as a free comune, Savona came under the rule of Genoa. Today Savona is still a relevant regional center thanks to its harbor and its position on the beautiful Ligurian coast.

Priamar Fortress

The Priamar Fortress (Fortezza del Priamar) is a fortress located on a hill facing the sea in Savona. The fort was erected by the Genoese in the 16th century, incorporating various older buildings. Later expanded, it became a prison in the 19th century. Now restored, the Priamar Fortress hosts the Archaeological Museum of Savona (Museo Storico Archeologico di Savona), which displays the history of Savona and includes numerous archaeological findings. Also hosted here is the Pertini Museum (Museo Pertini), a collection of modern and contemporary artworks gathered by former President of Italy Sandro Pertini.

Leon Pancaldo Tower

The Leon Pancaldo Tower is a medieval coastal tower located on the seafront of Savona. Erected in the Late Middle Ages, it formed part of the fortifications of the city, which were later destroyed. Also along the seafront to the south are three more ancient towers, the Brandale Tower, the Riario Tower, and the Corsi Tower, all adjacent to each other.

Savona Cathedral

The Savona Cathedral (Duomo di Savona) is a Baroque church erected between the 16th and 17th century in the center of the city. The church features a decorated facade and its interiors are richly adorned, hosting various frescoes and other artworks. Next to the cathedral is the Sistine Chapel (Cappella Sistina), a frescoed Renaissance chapel later reworked during the 18th century.

Savona Ceramics Museum

The Savona Ceramics Museum (Museo della Ceramica di Savona) is a museum focused on the history of the production of ceramics in Savona and all of Liguria. The rich collection includes numerous pieces dating from the 15th century until today, along with a few other artworks.

Municipal Art Gallery of Palazzo Gavotti

The Municipal Art Gallery of Palazzo Gavotti (Pinacoteca Civica di Palazzo Gavotti) is an art museum hosted in a historic palace, that once served as city hall. The museum houses an interesting collection of artworks, mostly of Renaissance and Baroque style.

Sanctuary of Nostra Signora della Misericordia

The Sanctuary of Nostra Signora della Misericordia (Santuario di Nostra Signora della Misericordia) is a religious complex located among the hills near Savona. The church was built between the 16th and 17th century after a Marian apparition, and it features a blend of Renaissance, Mannerist, and Baroque style. The church is richly decorated and it houses various artworks and a crypt.

Varazze

Varazze is a town on the Ligurian coast, located between Savona and Genoa. Founded as a small shipbuilding site by the Romans, it remained a relevant shipyard for centuries, often contested between local powers. Varazze is now a popular seaside resort.

Collegiate Church of Sant’Ambrogio

The Collegiate Church of Sant’Ambrogio (Collegiata di Sant’Ambrogio) is a historic church in Varazze, located in the center of the town. Originally erected in Romanesque and Gothic style during the Late Middle Ages, it was later adorned with an elaborate Baroque facade. The church houses various interesting artworks, including some dating from the Renaissance.

Noli

Noli is a small town located along the western coast of Liguria, in the Province of Savona. Founded in ancient times, it became an important seafaring town in the Late Middle Ages. Between 1192 and 1797, it was the capital of the independent Republic of Noli, one of the maritime republics of Italy. Noli mostly remained under the protection of Genoa, and shared its history since the fall of its republic during the Napoleonic invasion. Noli is now a tourist destination thanks to its historic attractions and its beautiful beach.

Monte Ursino Castle

The Monte Ursino Castle is a fortification located on a hill overlooking Noli. The castle was erected in various stages during the Late Middle Ages and a few ruins still survive. Some sections of the ancient walls that were linked to the castle and protected Noli can still be seen in the city to this day.

Church of San Paragorio

The Church of San Paragorio is a small Romanesque church located just outside the old town of Noli. A Paleochristian church was originally built here, while the current structure dates from around the 11th century, with a few later additions. The church features various interesting Romanesque decorations from the Late Middle Ages.

Finale Ligure

Finale Ligure is a town on the western Ligurian coast, in the Province of Savona. The city has ancient origins, but it rose to prominence in the Late Middle Ages as the capital of the Marquisate of Finale, which governed a small territory around the town. After a period of Spanish rule, the territory became part of the Republic of Genoa. Finale Ligure is formed by three different areas, the medieval old town of Finalborgo, which is located inland, and the neighborhoods of Finale Marina and Finale Pia, along the coast.

Finalborgo

Finalborgo is the medieval old town of Finale Ligure, surrounded by ancient walls and city gates. Among the many historic buildings here, the most notable is the Basilica of San Biagio. This church was erected starting in the Late Middle Ages, and later adorned with Baroque decorations. Also in Finalborgo, a former monastery houses the Archaeological Museum of Finale (Museo Archeologico del Finale), which features many archaeological findings from the area around the town.

San Giovanni Fort

The San Giovanni Fort (Forte San Giovanni) is a fortress that dominates over Finalborgo. Built by the Spanish during the 17th century, it was later abandoned and then used as a prison. Now restored, it can be visited.

Gavone Castle

The ruins of the ancient Gavone Castle are located on a hill near Finalborgo and the San Giovanni Fort. This fortress was built in the Late Middle Ages, and it was the residence of the local rulers until its destruction in 1715.

Finale Marina

Finale Marina is a seaside neighborhood of Finale Ligure. Known for its beautiful beach, Finale Marina also hosts a few historic attractions, such as the Baroque Collegiate Church of San Giovanni Battista, and a medieval fortress called Castelfranco. The main square of Finale Marina is located along its promenade and it features a 17th-century triumphal arch.

Pietra Ligure

Pietra Ligure is a seaside resort on the western coast of Liguria, in the Province of Savona. The town developed around a medieval castle, and it was ruled by Genoa for most of its history. Pietra Ligure is now a popular summer destination.

Basilica of San Nicolò

The Basilica of San Nicolò is the main religious site in Pietra Ligure, located in the large main square of the town. The church was erected between the 18th and 19th century and it features various frescoes, artworks, and Baroque decorations.

Toirano

Toirano is a small town located among the hills in the Province of Savona. It is best known for the cave system located nearby.

Toirano Caves

The Toirano Caves (Grotte di Toirano) are a large cave system located near Toirano. The caves feature many beautiful stalactites, stalagmites, and other interesting rock formations. Numerous archaeological remains dating from the Paleolithic have been found in the cave system, along with the bones of a prehistoric cave bear.

Albenga

Albenga is the second largest city in the Province of Savona, located along the western coast of Liguria. It was founded as a Ligurian settlement and later it became a flourishing Roman city. Albenga remained relevant throughout the Middle Ages, enjoying a period as a free comune, but it was eventually conquered by Genoa. Albenga is now a popular seaside resort.

✪ Albenga Cathedral

Also known as: Cathedral of San Michele Arcangelo

The Albenga Cathedral (Duomo di Albenga) is the main church of the city. It was erected over some previous religious buildings in the Late Middle Ages, and later reworked. The church is a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture, and it hosts various frescoes, sculptures, and other artworks. The cathedral also features a medieval bell tower, flanked by other ancient towers. The Paleochristian Albenga Baptistery (Battistero di Albenga), built in the 5th century and adorned with ancient decorations, is adjacent to the church. The Diocesan Museum (Museo Diocesano) is also located in an adjacent building, and it houses numerous pieces of religious art.

Gallinara Island

Gallinara Island is a small island in the Ligurian sea, near Albenga. According to legend, Saint Martin of Tours lived on this island as an hermit in the 4th century. Later, a monastery was built here, but now only a few ruins remain. The island houses one of the largest bird colonies in the Mediterranean and various rare plant species.

Alassio

Alassio is seaside town located on the western coast of Liguria, in the Province of Savona. Founded during the Middle Ages, it became a tourist destination in the 19th century. Alassio now ranks among the most popular seaside resorts in Liguria.

Muretto of Alassio

The Muretto is a wall decorated with ceramic tiles located in the center of Alassio. Originally an ordinary wall, it started being adorned with colorful tiles in 1953. The Muretto now features hundreds of tiles with the signatures of many celebrities, and it is a popular tourist attraction.